Sweet Honey In The Rock: Grammy-Winning A Cappella Group in Holiday Concert

Sweet Honey In The Rock sings at the Palace of Fine Arts Theatre. For almost 40 years, they've been one of America's most acclaimed a cappella vocal groups, known for their eclectic and socially conscious take on gospel music. They've won a Grammy, been nominated for several more, and recently sang at the White House. Their holiday concert ranges from traditional African-American gospel to African and Asian folk melodies, songs honoring Kwanzaa and Hanukkah, and more.

Reviews & Ratings

These ladies are fabulous and try to change the world. A lot of important issues are brought up in their songs, amazing lyrics and great rhythm.
They have the audience participate and it is a lot of fun.

A thoroughly enjoyable evening. The ladies are as good as ever and although it is my first time seeing them live, I have listened to their music for years. Their sound is unique. Their audience rapport is excellent. And the songs tell the stories...continued

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Description

Sweet Honey In The Rock is bringing you a one-of-a-kind holiday concert that celebrates music from many faiths and regions of the globe. Their varied a capella offerings may include traditional African American gospel, a Chinese proverb set to song, a Kwanzaa tune written by the group’s founder Bernice Johnson Reagon, the Hebrew prayer “Hashi Venu,” a new composition with a Latin flavor, a traditional African melody in the Bambara language of Mali, or the song “Allah Hu Akbar.” Sweet Honey In The Rock appeared last year at the White House at the invitation of Michelle Obama.

Founded by Bernice Johnson Reagon in 1973 at the D.C. Black Repertory Theater Company, Sweet Honey In The Rock, internationally renowned a cappella ensemble, has been a vital and innovative presence in the music culture of Washington, D.C., and in communities of conscience around the world.

Rooted in a deeply held commitment to create music out of the rich textures of African American legacy and traditions, Sweet Honey In The Rock possesses a stunning vocal prowess that captures the complex sounds of blues, spirituals, traditional gospel hymns, rap, reggae, African chants, hip-hop, ancient lullabies, and jazz improvisation. Sweet Honey’s collective voice, occasionally accompanied by hand percussion instruments, produces a sound filled with soulful harmonies and intricate rhythms.

Following up on their 2008 Grammy-nominated release, Experience…101, Sweet Honey returned to the studio to record Go In Grace, original music composed for the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. First Lady Michelle Obama invited the group in February of 2009 to perform at the White House in celebration of African-American History Month.

Sweet Honey invites her audiences to open their minds and hearts and think about who we are and how we treat each other, our fellow creatures who share this planet, and of course, the planet itself.